Device, System, and Method of Soliciting and Accepting Offers from Merchant Members of a Virtual Network

ABSTRACT

A user&#39;s need to purchase a service or a good is communicated to a commercial network. The commercial network includes a plurality of merchant members that offer services or goods for sale. A plurality of electronic channels of communication is established between the mobile computing device and respective electronic devices of a subset of the plurality of merchant members. Offers for the service or good needed by the user are received from the merchant members through the electronic channels of communication. The user accepts one of the offers from a selected merchant. Thereafter, the electronic channels of communication between the mobile computing device and the respective electronic devices of the rest of the merchant members are automatically terminated. Meanwhile, the electronic channel of communication between the mobile computing device and the electronic device of the selected merchant is maintained.

PRIORITY DATA

The present application is a utility patent application of provisionalU.S. patent application No. 61/882,616, filed on Sep. 25, 2013, entitled“Mobile Social Electronic Commerce Application”, the content of which ishereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

1. Technical Field

The present disclosure generally relates to using mobile computingdevices to engage in social networking.

2. Related Art

In recent years, the rapid advances in computer technology and broadbandtelecommunications have enhanced the popularity of mobile computingdevices such as smartphones and tablet computers. Among other things,these mobile computing devices can be used to browse the web, playgames, music, or videos, take pictures, send/receive emails, etc.However, the capabilities of these mobile computing devices have notbeen fully explored within a social networking context. For example,users with these mobile computing devices have not been fully able totake advantage of the abilities of the mobile electronic devices' toconduct telecommunications, schedule meetings, display visual objects,and make payments, within the social networking context.

Therefore, while existing mobile computing devices have been generallyadequate for their intended purposes, they have not been entirelysatisfactory in every aspect.

SUMMARY

One aspect of the present disclosure is directed to a mobile computingdevice. The mobile computing device includes a screen configured todisplay visual content. The mobile computing device includes a radiocomponent configured to conduct wireless electronic communications withexternal devices. The mobile computing device includes a computer memorystorage module configured to store executable computer programming code.The mobile computing device includes a computer processor moduleoperatively coupled to the computer memory storage module. The computerprocessor module is configured to execute the computer programming codeto perform the following steps: communicating, at least in part via theradio component, to a commercial network a need for a user of the mobilecomputing device to purchase a service or a good, wherein the commercialnetwork includes a plurality of merchant members that offer services orgoods for sale; establishing, at least in part via the radio component,a plurality of electronic channels of communication between the mobilecomputing device and respective electronic devices of a subset of theplurality of merchant members; receiving, from the subset of theplurality of merchant members through the electronic channels ofcommunication, respective offers for the service or the good needed bythe user, wherein the receiving is performed at least in part via theradio component; displaying, on the screen, the respective offersreceived from the subset of the merchant members; accepting, in responseto a user engagement of the screen, one of the offers offered by aselected merchant in the subset; and in response to the accepting of theone of the offers, automatically terminating the electronic channels ofcommunication between the mobile computing device and the respectiveelectronic devices of the rest of the merchant members while maintainingthe electronic channel of communication between the mobile computingdevice and the electronic device of the selected merchant

Another aspect of the present disclosure is directed to a system. Thesystem includes a computer memory storage module configured to storeexecutable computer programming code. The system includes a computerprocessor module operatively coupled to the computer memory storagemodule. The computer processor module is configured to execute thecomputer programming code to perform the following steps: wirelesslycommunicating to a commercial network a need for a user to purchase aservice or a good, wherein the commercial network includes a pluralityof merchant members that offer services or goods for sale; establishing,at least in part via the radio component, a plurality of electronicchannels of communication between a mobile computing device of the userand respective electronic devices of a subset of the plurality ofmerchant members; receiving, through the electronic channels ofcommunication, respective offers from the subset of the plurality ofmerchant members directed to the service or the good needed by the user;electronically communicating, to the user, the respective offersreceived from the subset of the merchant members; accepting, in responseto input from the user, one of the offers offered by a selected merchantin the subset; and in response to the accepting of the one of theoffers, automatically terminating the electronic channels ofcommunication between the mobile computing device and the respectiveelectronic devices of the rest of the merchant members while maintainingthe electronic channel of communication between the mobile computingdevice and the electronic device of the selected merchant.

Another aspect of the present disclosure is directed to a method. Themethod includes the following steps: communicating, at least in part viaa radio component of a mobile computing device of a user, to acommercial network a need for the user to purchase a service or a good,wherein the commercial network includes a plurality of merchant membersthat offer services or goods for sale; establishing, at least in partvia the radio component of the mobile computing device, a plurality ofelectronic channels of communication between the mobile computing deviceand respective electronic devices of a subset of the plurality ofmerchant members; receiving, from the subset of the plurality ofmerchant members through the electronic channels of communication,respective offers for the service or the good needed by the user,wherein the receiving is performed at least in part via the radiocomponent of the mobile computing device; displaying, on a screen of themobile computing device, the respective offers received from the subsetof the merchant members; accepting, in response to a user engagement ofthe screen, one of the offers offered by a selected merchant member inthe subset; and in response to the accepting of the one of the offers,automatically terminating the electronic channels of communicationbetween the mobile computing device and the respective electronicdevices of the rest of the merchant members while maintaining theelectronic channel of communication between the mobile computing deviceand the electronic device of the selected merchant member.

Another aspect of the present disclosure is directed to a method. Themethod includes the following steps: sending, at least in part via aradio component of a mobile computing device of a first user, electronicinvitations to a plurality of second users to participate in a groupevent at a target venue; receiving acceptances from the second users tojoin the group event; thereafter generating an electronic chat room forthe first user and the plurality of second users; receiving anddisplaying, at least in part via a screen of the mobile computing deviceof the first user, a first electronic notification that a selected oneof the second users has arrived at a target venue; and receiving anddisplaying, at least in part via the screen of the mobile computingdevice, a second electronic notification that the selected one of thesecond users has left the target venue.

Another aspect of the present disclosure is directed to a method. Themethod includes the following steps: receiving an electronic requestfrom a first mobile computing device of a first user to invite aplurality of second users to participate in a group event at a targetvenue; sending the electronic request to respective mobile computingdevices of the second users; generating an electronic chat room inresponse to acceptances from one or more of the second users; detecting,via a Global Positioning System (GPS) signal or a Wi-Fi connection, thata selected one of the second users is within a predetermined physicalproximity of the target venue; electronically communicating to the firstuser and the rest of the second users in the group that the selected oneof the second users has arrived at the target venue; detecting, via theGlobal Positioning System (GPS) signal or the Wi-Fi connection, that aselected one of the second users is beyond the predetermined physicalproximity of the target venue; electronically communicating to the firstuser and the rest of the second users in the group that the selected oneof the second users has left the target venue; and automaticallyterminating the electronic chat room after each of the first user andthe plurality of second users has left the target venue.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1-3 are simplified diagrammatic views of a system for using amobile computing device to invite users to participate in an eventaccording to various aspects of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 4-5 are simplified diagrammatic views of a system for using amobile computing device to interact with other users in a virtualelectronic social network according to various aspects of the presentdisclosure.

FIGS. 6-7 are simplified diagrammatic views of a system for using amobile computing device to conduct electronic commerce according tovarious aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 8 is a simplified diagrammatic view of an example embodiment of aserver that is a part of the systems described in FIGS. 1-7 according tovarious aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 9 is a simplified diagrammatic view of an example embodiment of amobile computing device that is a part of the systems described in FIGS.1-7 according to various aspects of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 10-17 are simplified flowcharts illustrating the processesaccording to various aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 18 is a simplified graphical user interface implemented on a mobilecomputing device to carry out the various methods discussed in FIGS.10-17 according to various aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart illustrating an example method for using themobile computing device to conduct electronic commerce according tovarious aspects of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 20-21 are flowcharts illustrating example methods of detectinguser's arrival and departure at a venue and notifying other usersaccordingly in accordance with various aspects of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 22 is a simplified block diagram of an example mobile computingdevice for performing one or more of the processes of FIGS. 1-49according to various aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 23 is a simplified block diagram of an example system forperforming one or more of the processes of FIGS. 1-49 according tovarious aspects of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

It is to be understood that the following disclosure provides manydifferent embodiments, or examples, for implementing different featuresof the present disclosure. Specific examples of components andarrangements are described below to simplify the present disclosure.These are, of course, merely examples and are not intended to belimiting. Various features may be arbitrarily drawn in different scalesfor simplicity and clarity. In addition, the present disclosure mayrepeat reference numerals and/or letters in the various examples. Thisrepetition is for the purpose of simplicity and clarity and does not initself dictate a relationship between the various embodiments and/orconfigurations discussed

As used herein, the term “about” refers to a +/-−5% variation from thenominal value. As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and allcombinations of one or more of the associated listed items. As usedherein, the singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” are intended to includethe plurality forms as well, unless the context clearly and specificallyindicates otherwise. In addition, unless defined otherwise, alltechnical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning ascommonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which thisdisclosure belongs.

In recent years, the rapid advances in computer technology and broadbandtelecommunications have led the growing popularity of mobile computingdevices such as tablet computers and mobile telephones. A user of thesemobile computing devices can perform a plurality of tasks on thesemobile computing devices, for example tasks that previously required aconventional desktop or laptop computer. Among other things, a user canplay movies/videos, browse the web, play games, view photographs, listento digital music, read e-books, receive navigational instructions, sendand receive emails, conduct audio or video telephone calls, perform wordprocessing/spreadsheet calculation/presentation management tasks, ortake advantage of additional functionalities offered by applications(apps) that can be downloaded from online app stores.

However, the capabilities of these mobile computing devices have notbeen fully explored within a social networking context. For example,users with these mobile computing devices have not been fully able totake advantage of the abilities of the mobile electronic devices' toconduct telecommunications display visual objects, schedule events, andmake payments, within the social networking context.

To overcome the problems discussed above, the present disclosure isdirected to device, system, and method to facilitate social networkingelectronically, as discussed in greater detail below.

FIG. 1 illustrates an example system 100 according to an embodiment ofthe present disclosure. An organizer user 110 sends out an invitation tojoin a group to a plurality of invitees 111-114 via the organizer 110'smobile computing device 120. The invitation is transmitted through anelectronic telecommunications network 130—which may include cellulartowers, global positioning system (GPS) satellites, wired/wirelessrouters, fiber optic networks, telephone networks, etc.—and is receivedby the respective mobile computing devices 121-124 of the users 111-114.One or more of the invitee users 111-114 may be located at variousdifferent locations.

In some embodiments, the mobile computing devices 120-124 may each be asmartphone (for example, APPLE's® IPHONE®, an ANDROID® phone, a WINDOWS®phone, or a BLACKBERRY®), a tablet computer (for example, APPLE's®IPAD®, an ANDROID® tablet, a WINDOWS powered tablet, or a BLACKBERRY®tablet), a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA), or a laptop-tablet hybrid.In some embodiments, the mobile computing devices 120-124 may eachinclude a screen (for example a touch-sensitive screen) for displayingvisual information. The users 110-114 may interactively engage withvisual objects shown on the screen by touching the objects with afinger, a stylus, or by hovering over the object.

In addition to the mobile computing devices 111-114, the invitation fromthe organizer user 110 may also be sent to, and received by, a centralserver 150 for storage and analysis.

Referring now to FIG. 2, each of the invitee users 111-114 may respondto the invitation by accepting, ignoring, or denying it. In the exampleillustrated, users 112 and 114 accepted the invitation, while user 111ignored the invitation, and user 113 specifically rejected it. Theacceptance of the invitation from the users 112 and 114 may beelectronically communicated back to the organizer user 110 as well asthe server 150. At this point, a group is created that includes theusers 110, 112, and 114. In some embodiments, the creation of such groupgenerates an electronic chat room on the mobile computing devices of themembers of the group (i.e., mobile computing devices 120, 122, and 124in this example). Via this electronic chat room, members of the groupcan communicate with other members.

Users in this group may also choose to share their respective locations,which may then be visually displayed on the mobile computing devices ofother members in the group.

Meanwhile, the users 111 and 113 who either ignored or rejected theinvitation to join the group may appear “off the grid” to members whoare in the group.

In some embodiments, if one or more of these users are at a place ofbusiness (i.e., a venue), for example a restaurant, a bar, a store,etc., these venues may appear on the grid only if they have joined avirtual commercial network, as discussed in greater detail below. Venuesthat have not joined the virtual commercial network may not bespecifically displayed on other users' mobile computing devices even ifthat user chooses to share its location. In some embodiments, thelocation of that user may just appear as a dot on an electronic map,with no additional identification (e g , name) of the venue.

For example, referring to FIG. 3, companies A, B, C, D, and G aremembers of the virtual commercial network (also interchangeably referredto as “participating business” hereinafter), while companies E and F arenot. In this example, if a user is at one of the companies A, B, C, D,or G, his mobile computing device will be alerted that he is at aparticipating business/location, and he will have the option of signingin or checking in electronically via the mobile computing device. Thisdetection of the user's whereabouts may be performed via GPS, Wi-Fi, orRadio Frequency (RF) signals. Thereafter, the user's location at theparticipating business is shared to other users. However, if a user isat one of the companies E or F (non-participating businesses), the userwill not automatically receive a sign-in option on his mobile computingdevice. Thus, the user appears “off the grid” to other users.

In some embodiments, by way of the GPS signals, Wi-Fi connections, or RFsignals, a user's whereabouts can be accurately determined so that itcan be determined whether or not that specific user is at a particularvenue. For example, the organizer 110 may invite a group of users111-114 (FIGS. 1-2) to an event at the company B shown in FIG. 3. Theusers 112 and 114 accept the invitation, and as a result an electronicchat room is generated on the mobile computing device of each of theusers 110, 112, and 114. Suppose that the user 112 arrives at thecompany B. This arrival may be detected by a GPS unit implemented onuser 112's mobile computing device, or by a Wi-Fi transceiverimplemented on user 112's mobile computing device, or by an RFtransceiver implemented on user 112′ mobile computing device. The GPSunit communicates with the GPS satellite to pinpoint the user 112′location, the Wi-Fi transceiver communicates with a Wi-Fi network at thecompany B, and the RF transceiver communicates with either an RFIDreader at the company B, or a near field communication (NFC) reader atthe company B. These mechanisms discussed above may determine whetherthe user 112 is within a predetermined proximity (e.g., within 10meters, or 50 meters, etc.) of the company B. Thus, when the user 112 iswithin the predetermined proximity of company B, a determination is madethat the user 112 has arrived at the target venue (i.e., company B).This determination may be made by either the mobile computing device 122of user 112, or by the server 150 that is in electronictelecommunication with the mobile computing device 122 of the user 112.

The arrival of user 112 at the company B may be electronicallycommunicated to the rest of the members of the group, i.e., users 110and 114 via their respective mobile computing devices 120 and 114. Insome embodiments, an electronic notification regarding the user 112'sarrival at the target venue may be displayed on the screen of the mobilecomputing devices 120 and 124 of the users 110 and 114. By doing so,users 110 and 114 are now aware that user 112 has arrived at the targetvenue, regardless of whether users 110 and 114 are at the target venueor not.

At some point later, the user 112 may leave the target venue (i.e.,company B), even if temporarily. The departure of the user 112 from thetarget venue may also be detected by the GPS signals, Wi-Fi connections,or RF signals discussed above. If a determination is made that the user112 is now beyond a predetermined proximity of the target venue, then anelectronic notification regarding the user 112's departure from thetarget venue may be displayed on the screen of the mobile computingdevices 120 and 124 of the users 110 and 114. By doing so, users 110 and114 are now aware that user 112 has left the target venue, regardless ofwhether users 110 and 114 are at the target venue or not.

In some embodiments, in addition to, or instead of, the electronicnotification, each user's location determination (i.e., in or out of thetarget venue) may also be displayed as a location status on the mobilecomputing devices of the rest of the users in the group.

The automatic detection of any group member's arrival and departure froma venue and the corresponding notification sent to the rest of themembers of the group facilitates the social networking among thesemembers. For example, if users 110 and 114 are already at the targetvenue, which may be big and houses a lot of people within, thenordinarily the arrival of the user 112 may go unnoticed. Similarly, thedeparture of the user 112 may also go unnoticed in some situations. Theusers 110 and 114 may realize that the user 112 is “missing”, but theymay not know whether the user 112 is using the bathroom, or talking tosomeone else at the venue and is too busy to answer his mobile computingdevice to correspond with users 110 or 114. In other words, inconventional situations, if a user who is meeting up with one or moreother users at a location cannot get in touch with the other users viacall, text, or email, it may be difficult to know whether the otherusers are at the venue or not. This may lead to a frustrating userexperience.

In comparison, in the embodiment of the present disclosure, each groupmember may be aware of another group member's whereabouts at least withrespect to the target venue without needing to actually speak/text/emailwith the other group member. The electronic notification or the statusdisplay of the whereabouts of the group members on the respective mobilecomputing device of each of the group members allows them to makedecisions more easily and more intelligently. For example, users 110 and114 may want to leave the venue but they cannot find the user 112. Ifthe status display indicates that user 112 is still within the venue,then users 110 and 114 may decide that they need to search the venuemore fully before they leave, because they may not want to leave theirfriend behind. On the other hand, if the status display indicates thatthe user 112 is no longer at the venue, then users 110 and 114 may leavethe venue knowing that they did not leave their friend behind.

In some embodiments, the electronic chat room automatically terminateswhen it has been detected that the last one of the users in the grouphas left the target venue. Again, the departure of each user may beperformed at least in part via a GPS signal, a Wi-Fi connection, or anRF signal. The determination of each user's whereabouts based on thesesignals may be performed via that user's mobile computing device or bythe server 150, or both.

Referring now to FIG. 4, the system 100 may also be used to carry outcertain aspects of social networking among users who wish to meet otherusers at a particular venue, as described in more detail in U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 14,488,863, filed on Sep. 17, 2014, entitled“Device, System, and Method of Identifying A Specific User From AProfile Image Containing Multiple People”, the disclosure of which ishereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

Referring now to FIG. 5, an embodiment of the system 100 shown includesa plurality of numbered tables at a particular venue, for example tables161-165. Among other things, the numbered tables 161-165 facilitate theordering of food or drinks. For example, one user may be able toelectronically communicate with a point of sale system 170 to order foodor drink for another user. The electronic communication may be carriedout using the user's mobile computing device. The electroniccommunication may include which table the recipient is located, and thusthe ordered food/drink may be delivered to the correct location.

FIG. 6 illustrates a simplified diagrammatic view of a system 300according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. A user 310 needsto have services performed by a merchant or a service provide or desiresto purchase a good from the merchant. For example, the user 310 may needto have an oil change, or he may need to have his car or a householdelectronic appliance repaired, or he may need to buy a consumerelectronic device, clothing, sporting equipment, vehicles, jewelry, oranother type of consumer product.

The user 310 electronically communicates his wish to obtain the desiredservice or good via a mobile computing device 320, which broadcasts theuser's request to a plurality of merchant members (for example merchantmembers 311-313) of a virtual commercial network through theirrespective mobile computing devices, for example mobile computingdevices 321-323. The mobile computing devices 320-323 aretelecommunicatively coupled together via a wired or wirelesstelecommunications network 330—which may include cellular towers, globalpositioning system (GPS) satellites, wired/wireless routers, fiber opticnetworks, telephone networks, etc. The mobile computing devices 320-323may each be a smartphone (for example, APPLE's® IPHONE®, an ANDROID®phone, a WINDOWS® phone, or a BLACKBERRY®), a tablet computer (forexample, APPLE's IPAD®, an ANDROID® tablet, a WINDOWS® powered tablet,or a BLACKBERRY® tablet), a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA), alaptop-tablet hybrid, or a desktop or laptop computer. In someembodiments, the mobile computing devices 320-323 may each include ascreen (for example a touch-sensitive screen) for displaying visualinformation.

The merchant members 311-313 are businesses that have agreed toparticipate in the virtual commercial network where users may broadcastthe goods or services they need, and these requests are electronicallyreceived by the merchant members so they can generate and send offers tothe users who wishes to obtain these goods or services. In the examplegiven herein, the user 310's request to obtain an oil change iselectronically broadcast to the merchant members 311-313 via theirrespective mobile computing devices. In some embodiments, the user 310'srequest is also received and analyzed by a computer server 340, forexample the computer server may perform data mining on the user'srequests and/or to route the user 310's solicitation for goods orservices to the appropriate subset of merchant members who are actuallyengaged in that segment of commerce.

Referring now to FIG. 7, in response to the user 310's request tosolicit offers regarding the oil change (or another type of service orgood in alternative embodiments), the merchant members 321-323 generateoffers regarding the oil change (or offers directed to another type ofservice or good needed by the user in alternative embodiments). Forexample, the merchant member 311 generates an offer for a $19.99 oilchange, the merchant member 312 generates an offer for a $21.99 oilchange plus a free inspection, and the merchant member 313 generates anoffer for a $20.00 oil change. These offers are sent to the user 310 viathe merchant member 311-313's respective mobile computing devices321-323 and is received by the user 310 via the user 310's mobilecomputing device 320. For example, the offers may each be displayed onthe screen of the mobile computing device 320. In various embodiments,each offer may be communicated in a form of a text message, a multimediamessage (MMS), a video clip, a phone call, an email, or another type ofelectronic communication. In some embodiments, the offers are alsoreceived and analyzed by a computer server 340, for example the computerserver may perform data mining.

Therefore, a plurality of electronic channels of communication has beenestablished between the mobile computing device 320 of the user and themobile computing devices 321-323 of the merchant members 311-313.Through each respective channel, the user 310 may communicate with therespective merchant member electronically regarding the desired good orservice. For example, the user may submit a counter-offer or otherwisehaggle or bargain with the merchant member. In some embodiments, eachelectronic channels of communication is only visible to the user 310 andthe corresponding merchant member, meaning that merchant members fromother electronic channels cannot view such communication. In otherembodiments, the electronic channels of communication are visible to allmerchant members so that they may bid against one another with revisedoffers. The user 310 may review the offers from the merchants anddetermine which offer is the most appealing.

Once the user 310 makes a decision and accepts an offer from onemerchant, the electronic channels of communication between the user 310and the rest of the merchant members are terminated. For example, theuser 310 may decide that the offer of $21.99 for an oil change plus afree inspection is the most appealing deal, so the user accepts thisoffer from the merchant member 312 by a suitable user engagement withthe mobile computing device 320. When this occurs, the electronicchannels of communication between the mobile computing device 320 andthe mobile computing devices 321 and 323 are automatically terminated,while the electronic channel of communication between the mobilecomputing device 320 and the mobile computing device 322 remains open,so that they user 310 and the merchant member 312 may exchange furthermessages. In some embodiments, an electronic notification isautomatically sent to the merchant members 311 and 313 regarding theuser's acceptance of an offer from the merchant 312.

In some embodiments, the merchant members 311-313 are prevented fromsending offers or solicitations to the user 310 until a solicitation foroffers has been received by the user 310. Thus, the user 310 is sparedfrom unwanted advertising. In some embodiments, the user 310 may alsospecify a time window in which the solicitation for offers remains open.For example, the user 310 may specify that he only wishes to receiveoffers for an oil change from 1 PM to 5 PM today. As such, the merchantmembers are barred from sending the user 310 offers before 1 PM or after5 PM. Similarly, the merchant members 311-313 may specify a time windowfor their offers. In other words, their offers may be valid only duringthe time window and will expire after the time window.

Referring now to FIG. 8, a simplified diagrammatic view of an exampleembodiment of the server 150 (FIG. 1) or the server 340 (FIGS. 6-7) isshown. The server 150/340 may operate within a client-serverarchitecture. The server 150/340 performs some tasks on behalf ofclients or the users' mobile computing devices. The mobile computingdevices may connect to the server 150/340 through a wired or wirelesscommunications network. The server may provide essential services acrossa network, either to private users inside a large organization or topublic users via the Internet. Examples of the servers 150/340 may be adatabase server, a file server, a mail server, a print server, a webserver, a gaming server, an application server, or some other kind ofserver. To facilitate these tasks, in the illustrated embodiment, theserver may include a display adaptor/video card for displaying graphicsor visual content to a user, input/output/peripherals for receivinginput and displaying output to the user, a power supply for receivingpower, a processor/CPU for processing computerized tasks, a storage/harddrive for storing user data or computer programming data, a memory/RAMfor storing random access data, and a network adaptor/LAN for enablingwired or wireless communication on a network.

Referring now to FIG. 9, a simplified diagrammatic view of an exampleembodiment of the mobile computing devices 120-124 or 320-323 is shownas mobile computing device 400. The mobile computing device 400 may havean application implemented thereon according to various aspects of thepresent disclosure. The mobile computing device 400 includes aninput/output interface which is operable to receive an input from a userand communicate an output to the user. The user may choose tocommunicate with other users and include location information. In anembodiment, the input/output interface includes a visual display unit,for example a touch-sensitive screen. The mobile computing device 400may also include a radio component such as a transceiver, which isconfigured to communicate wirelessly with external electronic devices.The mobile computing device 400 may also include a computer memory andprocessor for storing and executing programming instructions. Forexample, an embodiment of a software application may be stored in thememory and executed by the processor. Furthermore, the mobile computingdevice in the illustrated embodiment may also include an MHL transmitterwith HDMI input, an audio hub with voice processor, power managementcircuitry, an antenna switch module, a multichip memory, a battery, astorage/hard drive, a multimode multiband power amplified module, an NFCIC, or other wireless communication circuitry.

FIG. 10 is a simplified flowchart for engaging in social networkingamong users who wish to meet other users at a particular venue, asdescribed above with reference to FIGS. 4-5 and in more detail in U.S.patent application Ser. No. 14,488,863. FIG. 10 describes theperspective of the user who initiates contact, hereinafter known as the“contactor.” The contactor first signs in at the participating location(i.e., the venue that is hosting the social networking event for theusers as described in Application No. 14,488,863). The contactor thenregisters and creates a profile. Next, the contactor chooses from a listof available pictures and profiles (for other users). The contactor theninitiates contact with a selected one of the other users, hereinafterknown as the contactee. If the contactee declines the contact from thecontactor, the contactor is not allowed to proceed with the contactuntil the contactee changes his/her mind and permits further contactfrom the contactor. The contactor may then move on and choose anotherperson to initiate contact.

If the contactee user gives the contactor permission to contact her/him,the contactor may exchange a dialog with the contactee. If the exchangegoes well, the contactee may tell the contactor to meet up, for exampleat an event or a location at the venue. The contactee may also tell thecontactor to meet up upon first being contacted by the contactor (i.e.,without needing any further exchanges). The contactor may also senddrinks to, or receive drinks from, the contactee. If the exchangebetween the contactor and contactee does not go well, then either thecontactor or the contactee may decline further contact from the other.

FIG. 11 is a simplified flowchart for engaging in social networking asdiscussed above, except from the contactee's perspective. The contacteefirst signs in at the participating location. The contactee thenregisters and creates a profile. The contactee's screen (of the mobilecomputing device) will display available pictures and profiles of otherusers. Next, someone (i.e., a contactor) initiates contact with thecontactee. The contactee will be able to browse the contactor's profile.The contactee may decline the contactor from further contact, at whichpoint the contactee will be informed that she/he cannot proceed furtherwith this contact until she permits again. On the other hand, if thecontactee gives the contactor permission for the contact, they mayexchange a dialog, and if it goes well, they can meet up. They can alsomeet up without needing the exchange. The contactee may also receive orsend drinks from and to the contactor. If at some point theirinteraction does not go well, the contactee may deny permission to thecontact from contacting her again.

FIGS. 12-13 are simplified flowcharts illustrating the process ofinviting users to events discussed above with reference to FIGS. 1-3.FIG. 12 is illustrated from the perspective of the contactor user (orinvitor), whereas FIG. 13 is illustrated from the perspective of thecontactee user (or invitee).

Referring to FIG. 12, the contactor/invitor is reminded to register andlogin to the mobile application. A determination is made as to whetheror not he is at a participating location. If he is not at aparticipating location, he will be shown as “off the grid.” If he isindeed at a participating location, he will have the option to sign inor not to sign in. If he signs in, other users may be able to see hislocation, with permission. The contactor/invitor may rate the venue viaa rating system. The contactor then sends out a request to thecontactees/invitees for meeting up at a target venue/location. Theentire list of contactees is known only to the contactor/invitor, andonly the contactor may see the contactees who declined the invitation.In other words, the rest of the contactees only know that they areinvited, but they do not know who else is on the invite list, or whoelse has declined the invitation. Upon the acceptance of one or morecontactees to the invitation, an electronic group chat will start, andall contactees who have accepted will be joined in the group chat. Thecontactor may choose to send and/or receive pictures, video clips,texts, phone calls, or other forms of media within this chat. Thecontactor may decide to change the location of the meet up, if desired.The group may then go meet up at the target venue.

Referring now to FIG. 13, the contactee/invitee is reminded to registerand login to the mobile application. A determination is made as towhether or not he is at a participating location. If he is not at aparticipating location, he will be shown as “off the grid.” If he isindeed at a participating location, he will have the option to sign inor not to sign in. If he signs in, other users may be able to see hislocation, with permission. The contactee/invitee may rate the venue viaa rating system. The contactee/invitee then receives a meet up request(from the contactor). If the contactee declines the meet up request, hewill not be in the group chat and will not receive any notifications ormessages regarding this meet up. The contactee may also accept the meetup invitation, and if so, he will know the entire list of acceptedcontactees (but not the entire list of invitees). The group chat willstart, and all of the accepted contactees will join the chat. Again,each person in the chat will be able to send pictures, video clips,texts, phone calls, or other forms of electronic media messages withinthe chat. The contactee may discuss changing the location of the meetup, if desired. He can also change his mind about going to the event anddecide to decline the invitation, at which point he will exit the chatand will appear “off the grid” to other users in the chat. Otherwise,the invitee may then go meet up with the rest of the users at the venue.

FIGS. 14-15 are simplified flowcharts illustrating the process ofconducting electronic commerce via a commercial network discussed abovewith reference to FIGS. 6-7. FIG. 14 is illustrated from the perspectiveof the user who is soliciting offers, whereas FIG. 15 is illustratedfrom the perspective of the merchant members of the commercial network.

Referring to FIG. 14, the user registers and signs in via his mobilecomputing device or computer. He then submits a request for offers for aspecific good or service. A list of featured businesses (i.e., merchantmembers of the commercial network) related to the user's request will bedisplayed. If the user is interested in a particular featured business,he may browse the offers from the business, the profile of the business,and location information of the business. If the user in not interested,he may skip and proceed to receiving offers responding to his request.If the offer is what he was asking for, he may then again browse theoffer and the profile or locational information of the business. If not,he may report the offer as being irrelevant or spam. That offer willthen be removed from the offer list. Once the user selects a specificoffer, he may either accept it or not. If he accepts it, he may lock inon the deal described in the offer. He may then proceed to schedule aservice time or delivery options. If the user does not accept the offer,he may go back to receiving offers again.

Referring now to FIG. 15, the business (i.e., the merchant member of thecommercial network) registers and signs in via its mobile computingdevice or computer. The business receives alerts for requests fromcustomers (users who solicit offers). If the business is not interestedin responding, it will continue to receive alerts for requests fromother customers. If the business is interested in responding, it mayeither manually reply to the customer's request with an offer, or it maysubmit the offer via an autoreply. Thereafter, the business and thecustomer may request dialog with each other. If the customer accepts, heor she may lock in on the deal. The business then schedules a servicetime or delivery options with the customer.

FIGS. 16-17 are simplified flowcharts illustrating the process ofordering food via a user's mobile computing device. FIG. 16 isillustrated from the perspective of the user who is ordering the food,whereas FIG. 17 is illustrated from the perspective of the business fromwhich the food is ordered.

Referring to FIG. 16, the user registers and signs in to the mobileapplication on his mobile computing device for ordering food. If theuser is at a participating location, the user may pull up the menu andspecials and place food and drink orders. The food and drinks will bebrought to the table or ordering station. If the user is not at aparticipating location, the user may not be able to order foodelectronically via his mobile computing device.

Referring to FIG. 17, a person in charge at the business registers andsigns in to the application for ordering food. The application candisplay user profiles and frequent buyer indications. The customer order(for food) is then received. If there is integration with the MMDAsystem, then orders from the user will be automatically entered intopoint of sale and fulfilled. Otherwise, the orders will appear on theMMDA application, and the order will have to be manually entered. Oncethe order is received, it will be delivered to the right table orordering station.

FIG. 18 is a simplified web graphical user interface 1000 utilized by auser to store, sort, view, share, and otherwise engage in his events.The user interface 100 may be displayed on a desktop computer, a laptopcomputer, or a suitable mobile computing device. A list of icons eachrepresent an event (such as Events A, B, C, D, and E) is displayed. Theuser may click on the icon to see more details about the event, forexample message exchanges between the users directed to the event,pictures/video clips/audio clips taken by the users during the event,etc. Users can also personalize this interface 1000 and change optionsand settings according to user preferences. Options may include theability to create more events, invite other users, social games, accessto the commercial network discussed above with reference to FIGS. 6-7and 14-15, view rewards and past purchases, view history, etc.

FIG. 19 is a simplified flowchart illustrating a method 2000 forconducting electronic commerce via a mobile computing device discussedabove according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, the mobilecomputing device includes a mobile telephone, a tablet computer, alaptop computer, a desktop computer, or a smart watch or glass.

The method 2000 includes a step 2010 of communicating, at least in partvia a radio component of a mobile computing device of a user, to acommercial network a need for the user to purchase a service or a good.The commercial network includes a plurality of merchant members thatoffer services or goods for sale. In some embodiments, the step 2010 ofcommunicating comprises specifying a time window during which the offersfrom the subset of merchant members can be received on the mobilecomputing device.

The method 2000 includes a step 2020 of establishing, at least in partvia the radio component of the mobile computing device, a plurality ofelectronic channels of communication between the mobile computing deviceand respective electronic devices of a subset of the plurality ofmerchant members.

The method 2000 includes a step 2030 of receiving, from the subset ofthe plurality of merchant members through the electronic channels ofcommunication, respective offers for the service or the good needed bythe user. The receiving is performed at least in part via the radiocomponent of the mobile computing device. In some embodiments, thereceiving comprises receiving time-limited offers from the subset of themerchant members, wherein each time-limited offer has a respectiveexpiration date after which it cannot be accepted.

The method 2000 includes a step 2040 of displaying, on a screen of themobile computing device, the respective offers received from the subsetof the merchant members.

The method 2000 includes a step 2050 of accepting, in response to a userengagement of the screen, one of the offers offered by a selectedmerchant in the subset.

The method 2000 includes a step 2060 of in response to the accepting ofthe one of the offers, automatically terminating the electronic channelsof communication between the mobile computing device and the respectiveelectronic devices of the rest of the merchant members while maintainingthe electronic channel of communication between the mobile computingdevice and the electronic device of the selected merchant.

It is understood that, unless otherwise specified, the steps 2010-2060of the method 2000 are not necessarily performed in numerical order. Itis also understood that addition steps may be performed before, during,or after the steps 2010-2060. For example, the method 2000 may include astep of preventing the merchant members of the commercial network fromcontacting the user until after the establishing of the electronicchannels of communication. As another example, the method 2000 mayinclude a step of in response to the accepting of the one of the offers,electronically notifying the rest of the merchant members in the subsetthat the user has accepted the offer from the selected merchant. As yetanother example, the method 2000 may include a step of: after thereceiving but before the accepting, notifying at least some of themerchant members in the subset regarding the offers that have beenreceived by the user, and thereafter receiving one or more revisedoffers from the merchant members in the subset. As yet a furtherexample, the method 2000 may include a step of after the displaying butbefore the accepting: communicating one or more counter-offers from theuser to the merchant members in the subset. For reasons of simplicity,additional steps are not discussed in detail herein.

FIG. 20 is a simplified flowchart illustrating a method 2100 forinviting users to an event and detecting user's arrival and departurefrom the target venue via a mobile computing device discussed above (forexample with reference to FIGS. 1-3) according to some embodiments. Insome embodiments, the mobile computing device includes a mobiletelephone, a tablet computer, a laptop computer, a desktop computer, ora smart watch or glass.

The method 2100 includes a step 2110 of sending, at least in part via aradio component of a mobile computing device of a first user, electronicinvitations to a plurality of second users to participate in a groupevent at a target venue.

The method 2100 includes a step 2120 of receiving acceptances from thesecond users to join the group event.

The method 2100 includes a step 2130 of thereafter generating anelectronic chat room for the first user and the plurality of secondusers.

The method 2100 includes a step 2140 of receiving and displaying, atleast in part via a screen of the mobile computing device of the firstuser, a first electronic notification that a selected one of the secondusers has arrived at a target venue. In some embodiments, the firstelectronic notification is generated in response to a detection of aGlobal Positioning System (GPS) signal or a Wi-Fi signal that theselected one of the second users is within a predefined proximity of thetarget venue.

The method 2100 includes a step 2150 of receiving and displaying, atleast in part via the screen of the mobile computing device, a secondelectronic notification that the selected one of the second users hasleft the target venue. In some embodiments, the second electronicnotification is generated in response to a detection of a GlobalPositioning System (GPS) signal or a Wi-Fi signal that the selected oneof the second users is beyond a predefined proximity of the targetvenue.

The method 2100 includes a step 2160 of automatically terminating theelectronic chat room after each of the first user and the plurality ofsecond users has left the target venue.

It is understood that, unless otherwise specified, the steps 2110-2160of the method 2100 are not necessarily performed in numerical order. Itis also understood that addition steps may be performed before, during,or after the steps 2110-2160. For reasons of simplicity, additionalsteps are not discussed in detail herein.

FIG. 21 is a simplified flowchart illustrating a method 2200 fordetecting users' arrival and departure from a target venue at least inpart via the users mobile computing devices discussed above (for examplewith reference to FIGS. 1-3) according to some embodiments. In someembodiments, the mobile computing device includes a mobile telephone, atablet computer, a laptop computer, a desktop computer, or a smart watchor glass.

The method 2200 includes a step 2210 of receiving an electronic requestfrom a first mobile computing device of a first user to invite aplurality of second users to participate in a group event at a targetvenue.

The method 2200 includes a step 2220 of sending the electronic requestto respective mobile computing devices of the second users.

The method 2200 includes a step 2230 of generating an electronic chatroom in response to acceptances from one or more of the second users.

The method 2200 includes a step 2240 of detecting, via a GlobalPositioning System (GPS) signal or a Wi-Fi connection, that a selectedone of the second users is within a predetermined physical proximity ofthe target venue.

The method 2200 includes a step 2250 of electronically communicating tothe first user and the rest of the second users in the group that theselected one of the second users has arrived at the target venue.

The method 2200 includes a step 2260 of detecting, via the GlobalPositioning System (GPS) signal or the Wi-Fi connection, that a selectedone of the second users is beyond the predetermined physical proximityof the target venue.

The method 2200 includes a step 2270 of electronically communicating tothe first user and the rest of the second users in the group that theselected one of the second users has left the target venue.

The method 2200 includes a step 2280 of automatically terminating theelectronic chat room after each of the first user and the plurality ofsecond users has left the target venue.

It is understood that, unless otherwise specified, the steps 2210-2280of the method 2200 are not necessarily performed in numerical order. Itis also understood that addition steps may be performed before, during,or after the steps 2210-2280. For reasons of simplicity, additionalsteps are not discussed in detail herein.

FIG. 22 is a simplified block diagram of an electronic device 3300according to the various aspects of the present disclosure. Theelectronic device 3300 may be implemented as an embodiment of the mobilecomputing devices 120-124 and 320-323 discussed above with reference toFIGS. 1-3 and 6-7, or as an embodiment of the mobile computing device400 discussed above with reference to FIG. 9.

The electronic device 3300 includes a telecommunications module 3310,which may also be referred to as a radio component. Thetelecommunications module 3310 contains various electronic circuitrycomponents configured to conduct telecommunications with one or moreexternal devices. The electronic circuitry components allow thetelecommunications module 3310 to conduct telecommunications in one ormore of the wired or wireless telecommunications protocols, includingcommunications protocols such as IEEE 802.11 (WiFi), IEEE 802.15(Bluetooth), GSM, CDMA, LTE, WIMAX, DLNA, HDMI, etc. In someembodiments, the telecommunications module 3310 includes antennas,filters, low-noise amplifiers, digital-to-analog (DAC) converters,analog-to-digital (ADC) converters, and transceivers. The transceiversmay further include circuitry components such as mixers, amplifiers,oscillators, phase-locked loops (PLLs), and/or filters. Some of theseelectronic circuitry components may be integrated into a single discretedevice or an integrated circuit (IC) chip. By way of these transceivers,the telecommunications module 3310 may be used to establish connectionsto the venues hosting the electronic virtual social networks, orestablish connections with other devices on the electronic virtualsocial network, or establish connections with a remote server.

The telecommunications module 3310 may also include a GPS module 3315.As discussed above, the GPS module 3315 may be used to determine thelocation of the electronic device 3300, or the departure of theelectronic device 3300 from a certain venue, etc.

The electronic device 3300 may include a computer memory storage module3320. The memory storage module 3320 may contain various forms ofdigital memory, such as hard disks, FLASH, SRAM, DRAM, ROM, EPROM,memory chips or cartridges, etc. Computer programming code may bepermanently or temporarily stored in the memory storage module 3320, forexample. In some embodiments, the computer memory storage module 3320may include a cache memory where files can be temporarily stored.

The electronic device 3300 may also include a computer processing module3330. The computer processing module 3330 may contain one or morecentral processing units (CPUs), graphics processing units (GPUs), ordigital signal processors (DSPs), which may each be implemented usingvarious digital circuit blocks (including logic gates such as AND, OR,NAND, NOR, XOR gates, etc) along with certain software code. Thecomputer processing module 3330 may be used to execute the computerprogramming code stored in the memory storage module 3320.

The electronic device 3300 may also include an input/output module 3340,which may serve as a communications interface for the electronic device3300. In some embodiments, the input/output module 3340 may include oneor more touch-sensitive screens, physical and/or virtual buttons (suchas power and volume buttons) on or off the touch-sensitive screen,physical and/or virtual keyboards, mouse, track balls, speakers,microphones, light-sensors, light-emitting diodes (LEDs), communicationsports (such as USB or HDMI ports), joy-sticks, image-capture devices(for example cameras), etc. In some embodiments, the touch-sensitivescreen may be used to display visual objects discussed above, forexample the profile pictures of the users of the virtual social network,or the virtual gifts and digital vouchers. In alternative embodiments, anon-touch screen display may be implemented as a part of theinput/output module 3340.

According to the various aspects of the present disclosure, the virtualsocial network software application may reside in the memory storagemodule 3320. It can be retrieved by the computer processing module 3330for execution. During its execution, it may take command of thetelecommunications module (e.g., the Wi-Fi transceiver or GPS module3315 implemented therein) and/or the input/output module 3340 (e.g., todisplay objects on a screen and receive input from the screen), so as tofacilitate the user's participation of the electronic virtual socialnetwork via the electronic device 3300. In some embodiments, theelectronic device 3300 is equipped to execute the methods 2000-2200described above with reference to FIGS. 19-21, respectively.

FIG. 23 is a simplified diagrammatic view of a system 3400 that may beused to carry out certain aspects of the present disclosure discussedabove. In some embodiments, the system 3400 may include an electronicdevice 3410. The electronic device 3410 may be implemented as anembodiment of the electronic device 3300 of FIG. 22 (and therefore as anembodiment of the mobile computing devices 120-124, 320-323, and 400discussed above). In some embodiments, the electronic device 3410includes a tablet computer, a mobile telephone, a laptop, a smart watch,or a smart glass.

The system 3400 also includes a remote server 3420. The remote server3420 may be implemented in a “cloud” computing environment and mayinclude one or more databases that store files, for example the variousfiles that can also be stored locally in the electronic device 3410 asdiscussed above. The remote server 3420 may also collect data from theelectronic device 3410 to facilitate the user of the electronic device3410's participation on the electronic virtual social network. In someembodiments, the remote server 3420 may be server 150 of FIGS. 1-2 orthe server 340 of FIGS. 6-7.

The electronic device 3410 and the remote server 3420 may becommunicatively coupled together through a network 3430. The network3430 may include cellular towers, routers, switches, hubs, repeaters,storage units, cabling (such as fiber-optic cabling or telephonecabling), and other suitable devices. The network 3430 may beimplemented using any of the suitable wired or wireless networkingprotocols. The electronic device 3410 and the remote server 3420 mayalso be able to communicate with other devices on the network 3430 andeither carry out instructions received from the network, or sendinstructions through the network to these external devices to be carriedout.

To facilitate user's interaction with the electronic virtual socialnetwork, a service provider (that hosts or operates the remote server3420) may provide a user interface module 3440. The user interfacemodule 3440 may include software programming code and may be installedon the electronic device 3410 (for example in a memory storage module).In some embodiments, the user interface module 440 may include adownloadable “app”, for example an app that is downloadable through asuitable service such as APPLE's® ITUNES®, THE APP STORE® from APPLE®,ANDROID's® PLAY STORE®, AMAZON's® INSTANT VIDEO®, MICROSOFT's® WINDOWSSTORE®, RESEARCH IN MOTION's® BLACKBERRY APP WORLD®, etc. In theembodiment shown, the user interface module 3440 includes an instance ofthe “app” that has been downloaded and installed on the electronicdevice 3410. The app may also be used to perform the various aspects ofthe present disclosure discussed above, such as registering andparticipating on the virtual social network, inviting other users toparticipate an event at a target venue, exchange messages between users,ordering food and drinks from a venue, soliciting offers regarding goodsor services from merchant that are members of a commercial network, etc.

A user 3450 may interact with the system 3400 by sending instructions tothe electronic device 3410 through the user interface module 3440. Forexample, the user 3450 may be a subscriber of the services offered bythe service provider running/hosting/operating the remote server 3420.The user 3450 may attempt to log in to the remote server 3420 bylaunching the “app” of the user interface 3440. The user's logincredentials are electrically sent to the remote server 3420 through thenetwork 3430. After verifying the user login credentials, the remoteserver 3420 may instruct the user interface module 3440 to display asuitable interface to interact with the user in a suitable manner.

In some embodiments, the system 3400 further includes an electronicdevice 3500 that resides at a venue that is hosting the virtual socialnetwork. The electronic device 3500 may include a smartphone, a tabletcomputer, a desktop computer, a laptop computer, a wireless router, etc.In some embodiments, the electronic device 3500 is implemented as anembodiment of the electronic device 3300 of FIG. 22. The electronicdevice 3500 is communicatively coupled to the remote server 3420 and tothe electronic device 3410 through the network 3430. As such, it may beused to host the virtual social network for participant users via theirrespective mobile computing devices. The electronic device 3500 may alsobe used to receive feedback from the users on its virtual socialnetwork, as well as send messages to other users.

It should be appreciated that like reference numerals in the presentdisclosure are used to identify like elements illustrated in one or moreof the figures, wherein these labeled figures are for purposes ofillustrating embodiments of the present disclosure and not for purposesof limiting the same.

The foregoing disclosure is not intended to limit the present disclosureto the precise forms or particular fields of use disclosed. As such, itis contemplated that various alternate embodiments and/or modificationsto the present disclosure, whether explicitly described or impliedherein, are possible in light of the disclosure. Having thus describedembodiments of the present disclosure, persons of ordinary skill in theart will recognize that changes may be made in form and detail withoutdeparting from the scope of the present disclosure. Thus, the presentdisclosure is limited only by the claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A mobile computing device, comprising: a screenconfigured to display visual content; a radio component configured toconduct wireless electronic communications with external devices; acomputer memory storage module configured to store executable computerprogramming code; and a computer processor module operatively coupled tothe computer memory storage module, wherein the computer processormodule is configured to execute the computer programming code to performthe following steps: communicating, at least in part via the radiocomponent, to a commercial network a need for a user of the mobilecomputing device to purchase a service or a good, wherein the commercialnetwork includes a plurality of merchant members that offer services orgoods for sale; establishing, at least in part via the radio component,a plurality of electronic channels of communication between the mobilecomputing device and respective electronic devices of a subset of theplurality of merchant members; receiving, from the subset of theplurality of merchant members through the electronic channels ofcommunication, respective offers for the service or the good needed bythe user, wherein the receiving is performed at least in part via theradio component; displaying, on the screen, the respective offersreceived from the subset of the merchant members; accepting, in responseto a user engagement of the screen, one of the offers offered by aselected merchant in the subset; and in response to the accepting of theone of the offers, automatically terminating the electronic channels ofcommunication between the mobile computing device and the respectiveelectronic devices of the rest of the merchant members while maintainingthe electronic channel of communication between the mobile computingdevice and the electronic device of the selected merchant.
 2. The mobilecomputing device of claim 1, further comprising: preventing the merchantmembers of the commercial network from contacting the user until afterthe establishing of the electronic channels of communication.
 3. Themobile computing device of claim 1, further comprising: in response tothe accepting of the one of the offers, electronically notifying therest of the merchant members in the subset that the user has acceptedthe offer from the selected merchant.
 4. The mobile computing device ofclaim 1, further comprising, after the receiving but before theaccepting: notifying at least some of the merchant members in the subsetregarding the offers that have been received by the user; and thereafterreceiving one or more revised offers from the merchant members in thesubset.
 5. The mobile computing device of claim 1, further comprising,after the displaying but before the accepting: communicating one or morecounter-offers from the user to the merchant members in the subset. 6.The mobile computing device of claim 1, wherein the communicatingcomprises specifying a time window during which the offers from thesubset of merchant members can be received by the mobile computingdevice.
 7. The mobile computing device of claim 1, wherein the receivingcomprises receiving time-limited offers from the subset of the merchantmembers, wherein each time-limited offer has a respective expirationdate after which it cannot be accepted.
 8. A system, comprising: acomputer memory storage module configured to store executable computerprogramming code; and a computer processor module operatively coupled tothe computer memory storage module, wherein the computer processormodule is configured to execute the computer programming code to performthe following steps: wirelessly communicating to a commercial network aneed for a user to purchase a service or a good, wherein the commercialnetwork includes a plurality of merchant members that offer services orgoods for sale; establishing, at least in part via the radio component,a plurality of electronic channels of communication between a mobilecomputing device of the user and respective electronic devices of asubset of the plurality of merchant members; receiving, through theelectronic channels of communication, respective offers from the subsetof the plurality of merchant members directed to the service or the goodneeded by the user; electronically communicating, to the user, therespective offers received from the subset of the merchant members;accepting, in response to input from the user, one of the offers offeredby a selected merchant in the subset; and in response to the acceptingof the one of the offers, automatically terminating the electronicchannels of communication between the mobile computing device and therespective electronic devices of the rest of the merchant members whilemaintaining the electronic channel of communication between the mobilecomputing device and the electronic device of the selected merchant. 9.The system of claim 8, further comprising: preventing the merchantmembers of the commercial network from contacting the user until afterthe establishing of the electronic channels of communication.
 10. Thesystem of claim 8, further comprising: in response to the accepting ofthe one of the offers, electronically notifying the rest of the merchantmembers in the subset that the user has accepted the offer from theselected merchant.
 11. The system of claim 8, further comprising, afterthe receiving but before the accepting: notifying at least some of themerchant members in the subset regarding the offers that have beenreceived by the user; and thereafter receiving one or more revisedoffers from the merchant members in the subset.
 12. The system of claim8, further comprising, before the accepting: electronicallycommunicating one or more counter-offers from the user to the merchantmembers in the subset.
 13. The system of claim 8, wherein: thecommunicating comprises specifying a time window during which the offersfrom the subset of merchant members can be received by the mobilecomputing device; and the receiving comprises receiving time-limitedoffers from the subset of the merchant members, wherein eachtime-limited offer has a respective expiration date after which itcannot be accepted.
 14. A method, comprising: communicating, at least inpart via a radio component of a mobile computing device of a user, to acommercial network a need for the user to purchase a service or a good,wherein the commercial network includes a plurality of merchant membersthat offer services or goods for sale; establishing, at least in partvia the radio component of the mobile computing device, a plurality ofelectronic channels of communication between the mobile computing deviceand respective electronic devices of a subset of the plurality ofmerchant members; receiving, from the subset of the plurality ofmerchant members through the electronic channels of communication,respective offers for the service or the good needed by the user,wherein the receiving is performed at least in part via the radiocomponent of the mobile computing device; displaying, on a screen of themobile computing device, the respective offers received from the subsetof the merchant members; accepting, in response to a user engagement ofthe screen, one of the offers offered by a selected merchant member inthe subset; and in response to the accepting of the one of the offers,automatically terminating the electronic channels of communicationbetween the mobile computing device and the respective electronicdevices of the rest of the merchant members while maintaining theelectronic channel of communication between the mobile computing deviceand the electronic device of the selected merchant member.
 15. Themethod of claim 14, further comprising: preventing the merchant membersof the commercial network from contacting the user until after theestablishing of the electronic channels of communication.
 16. The methodof claim 14, further comprising: in response to the accepting of the oneof the offers, electronically notifying the rest of the merchant membersin the subset that the user has accepted the offer from the selectedmerchant member.
 17. The method of claim 14, further comprising, afterthe receiving but before the accepting: notifying at least some of themerchant members in the subset regarding the offers that have beenreceived by the user; and thereafter receiving one or more revisedoffers from the merchant members in the subset.
 18. The method of claim14, further comprising, after the displaying but before the accepting:communicating one or more counter-offers from the user to the merchantmembers in the subset.
 19. The method of claim 14, wherein thecommunicating comprises specifying a time window during which the offersfrom the subset of merchant members can be received on the mobilecomputing device.
 20. The method of claim 14, wherein the receivingcomprises receiving time-limited offers from the subset of the merchantmembers, wherein each time-limited offer has a respective expirationdate after which it cannot be accepted.